Harper Lee’s seminal American novel To Kill a Mockingbird, which became an instant best-seller upon its publication in 1960, is causing a sensation once again.

Lee's unflinching portrait of justice, racism, and intolerance in Depression Era Alabama—recounted by Scout - a curious, six-year-old witness—captivated readers (and fans of the 1962 film) for generations has already secured a box-office advance of more than $22 million.

The new Broadway adaptation from Oscar winner Aaron Sorkin made Broadway history for the week ending December 23, taking in $1,586,946 at the box office, shattering the house record at the Shubert Theatre for the highest weekly gross of any Broadway play (non musical) in the Shubert Organization's 118-year history.

To Kill a Mockingbird commanded its record-breaking sum following a December 13 opening night, where it was met with raves from Broadway critics. Jeff Daniels stars as Atticus Finch, with Celia Keenan-Bolger as his daughter, Scout, Will Pullen as Jem, and LaTanya Richardson Jackson as Calpurnia. Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher directs the Broadway premiere. Scott Rudin is lead producer.

Click here for an in-depth look at this week's grosses.

Across the theatre district this week, several productions saw especially strong business during the lucrative holiday week, with five productions surpassing $2 million: The Lion King ($2.7 million), Frozen ($2.1 million), Wicked ($2.2 million), Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ($2.2 million), and Hamilton with a take of $3.6 million.